hey all, just wanted to have a place where folks could post questions about the game, help each other out, and boast of their spectacular play i know there was another thread about the game but it had a bunch of stuff about release dates and this and that that doesn't really matter now also, i would kindly appreciate NO banter about the alleged super- wonderful greatest soccer game ever Pro-evolution II, this thread is for fifa, no innane debates please now, onto the good stuff first, as always the game has improved over last time but I'm having trouble heading the ball, every time i go for a header I either A) lose the challenge (more often than not) or B) trap it and either pass it, boot it, or control it it seems the only time i ever head the ball right its in my own box for a clear, and even then its only successful (i.e. no trap and kick) half the time, i swear every single goal kick by either team i lose-- its frustrating!!! the opposing teams always, so nicely mind you, head the ball to nearby player, retain possession and go about their bizness-- how can i do that !!!! does anybody have any help on headers!?!? (also, taking the ball out of the air and possessing it can be very beneficial-- the manual says press nothing to do have this done, but if done it by pressing buttons-anyone know this trick?-- i figure this is a little more advanced and i just need a little more practice and patience to figure this one out, and so will you all I assume, but you never know) side note, i bet most of you are sprinting and passing the ball at the same time and as a result you get these, at times, squiggly little weak passes that do not go far and fast-- if you move the ball at a normal pace (i.e. no sprint)-- you get much crisper passes although i'm sure most of you are heavily relying on the handy (and very effective) thru ball, but try both out together, mix em up, this method brings variety to your game and makes it more fun to play IMHO anyways, please do help with the header dilemma by the way, i'm playing a season with liverpool (normal 442), i added ze roberto (dropped hamman(LCM) to the bench) and also picked up a french player, mexes (i believe thats his name but with a wavy mark over the second e)-- i read about him in the mag world soccer, apparently he is the heir apparent to the great defenders of the past, the game rayes him as an 88, and while the other defenders are ranked higher, he always all over the pitch making plays-- o yeah, im playing semi-pro or whatever the second level of difficulty from the bottom is i look forward to y'alls posts, hope we can all help other out here its 4:10 in the morning, im going to bed
      I got FIFA 2003 for my Playstation 2 earlier today, and am having a lot of fun playing it!       Among other things, for the first time in the history of the FIFA series, there are actual player names on the backs of their jerseys! And also for the first time, the uniforms are modeled exactly like their real-life counterparts... I don't mean "as close as the game can get to it"... I mean exactly! Of course, it's ironic that for the MLS teams, they're using the 2002 uniforms instead of the ones they'll be using in 2003, but the uniforms are detailed down to the sponser patches (the Yahoo! Sports patches are on the Earthquakes uniforms, the Kellogg's Frosted Flakes patches are on the Burn uniforms, etc.). And there's a Hall of Kits that displays the home and away jerseys of every team included in the game.       And of course the graphics and gameplay are good as always. There are new (and more) player animations - the star players look exactly like they do in real life, and most of the other players look pretty darn close. Also, the ball physics have been completely redone to make it more realistic. And this time, the Slow speed setting actually makes the speed of everything realistic, slowing players down to a realistic speed while keeping the ball spead as it should be (unlike in past versions, where the Slow speed setting would slow the players down just right but slow the ball down too much, while the Normal setting would have the ball moving at the right speed but have the players run too fast).       And for each game I can choose whether the home team wears its home or away kit and whether the away team wears its home or away kit in the same game. Thus, most of the time I've had both teams in the same game wear their home kits, and it's worked out fine.       I guess the only realy downer is that there's no Player Creation mode in the game (although the PC version may have an official Player Creation dowload down the road), so no Goodsport scoring goals for San Jose like in last year's version. Also, while the choice in camera angles are fine, they took away the zoom feature for each camera angle that really helped out in last year's version. And there's no online play capability for the Playstation 2 version like there is for Madden NFL Football 2003.       Before you start a game or a season, though, make sure that your starters are listed as you want them to play. While the game has done a good job getting the latest roster as real as possible (with a few unknown players thrown in as well), they may not always be listed in the correct places in the lineup as they should be.       But overall I'm very happy with the game. Now I'm off on three separate quests in the game (with three different game saves, of course): for San Jose to win the MLS Cup, for San Jose to win its international tour (so far I've beaten two Korean League teams... in Korea, no less), and for the USA to win the World Cup. -G
In the PC version, will there be a way to create custom kits in Photoshop and import them into the game? I heard something that sounded like that before but haven't heard any confirmation yet.
I now have the xbox version and agree with Goodsport's comments. I only had a chance to play one game last night, but it seemed you can now send a cross in low and hard instead of it just being a lob. The other change (like in NBA Live 2003) is the 'freestyle' control using the right analog stick to do moves and beat the defender... I am still trying to get the hang of this. As for headers and taking the ball out of the air... I am in the same boat as you, Joe.
Anyone noticed the improved AI yet? What I mean is that I read that the computer will throw player forward at the end of a game if it's losing, etc... Is this true???
I love the fact that all the Superleague teams they have all their stadiums AND/b] chants/songs replicated perfectly!!!!! nothing gets my blood pumping than hearing "Glory, Glory, Man United" before the match starts!!!!! bravo EA!!!
Goodsport, too bad you got the PS2 version, because EA released creation center (15MB) for the PC and you can download it from their website. With Creation Center, you can create and change almost everything, including chants and almost all the graphics within the game. You can also add leagues, teams and players. I don't know if I should get game, because I been playing the demo for around a month now, and like all the older fifa games, the more I play the more frustrating the game gets. If you have the full version, could you tell me if EA address these problems from the demo? 1) It’s impossible to head the ball to your own player, since the header button is the same as the through pass button, my players just chest the ball and pass it away. 2) The goalkeeper doesn’t respond well to the charge button, most of the time, the computer decides when to charge or when not to charge, the only time when the goalkeeper respond to the charge command is when the opposing striker is one on one with the goalie and the strike has to be in the box. 3) Corners, I can’t score from a corner, the computer can score when it feels like it. For example when the computer is down by one goal at the 89th min, most likely it’s going to score on the corner, and the goal looks very scripted. 4) Scoring from indirect free kick set plays, is it possible? 5) How is the strategy for the full version of the game? In the demo, it’s very frustrating not to be able to change your strategy. The score line always reflects how your opponent played the game. If the strategy in the full version is very helpful, then I might consider getting the game. 6) Rebounds from goalkeeper, is it freakish? When I play the demo it’s so weird to see a goalkeeper giving up a bullet like rebound to the feet of a defender when the shot was just a soft header. I don’t think EA could make a truly beautiful soccer game without giving the ball at least a small amount of randomness in its bounce. And what happen to curving the ball? I liked it.
Is it true that AC Milan is not one of the 18 major teams in the game (the ones with authentic cheers, stadiums, etc.)? I'm glad to see the finally fixed the kit clashing thing. It nearly ruins FIFA 2002 for me when I'm playing in MLS (what with every team being blue or black and all ) After reading this thread, I think I'm going to wait for the Konami game in March and then pick up a game. I'm not trying to start a war, but it seems like for every good thing the FIFA series does, something else is missing. Improved play, but they eliminate the creation center (I thought this was essential for a sports game these days.) More detailed player animations, but still no Dutch teams. They have realistic chants and stadiums (at least for the big Euro teams), but still have a separate game for the World Cup. Honestly, if EA would put the same effort behind the FIFA series as Madden or NHL, I'm convinced they could make the best soccer game. It always seems like 'EA lite' develops and produces the game though. Playing is fun for a while, but I can't help but be disappointed at the sheer amount of unrealized potential with FIFA 2002. I'll give FIFA 2003 a rental, but I think I'll wait until I have all my options before making a purchase.
I'm having trouble with good heading and handling the right stick also. Alright I was doing great until I started playing professional. Now I have a hard time scoring. questions. can you dive? I can score off these free kicks pretty well. Does anyone have any moves they can replicate with the analog stick on the right for the Xbox? I can sort of do a simple move where you pull back and then forward if you're not sprinting. How do you win headers consistently? I'm playing Leeds in the Premiership and semi-pro is too easy but I'm getting my SS kicked in pro. Manure skewered me. What have you learned about defending? I'll play more this weekend and if I figure anything out I'll post it here.... Let's share info, primarily with regards to the freestyle stick. I think once its wired it will be great! PS I'm really enjoying the game, but it may take a while to dominate this time around.
And yeah I've noticed. It's more realistic. I have noticed the improved AI. If you're winning they make tactical subs and come at you pretty seriously. Man U and I were tied with like twenty minutes left. They made some changes and I was Bayern Muniched!
Re: I'm having trouble with good heading and handling the right stick also. I was where you are about 2 days ago. In semi-pro the computer (xbox) didn't get any good offensive chances, but on Pro I couldn't keep up. If I were you I would definitley play out some full games on Pro. I played 2 games last night and fell behind 2-0 both times, but was able to pull the games out in the end. You also might want to try the first half on semi, then up it to Pro at halftime. As far as defending, I have had to play 4 at the back instead of 3 (which I would prefer to do).
The lack of "Creation Centre" is the only thing that really irks me about this game. I love it (and I am a Konami fan too), I think the gameplay is great and graphics amazing. One thing I really like is the discrepancy between leagues. For example, I began playing a season with FC Basel in the Swiss League. I pretty much marched through my Swiss competition but had a rough go of it once I hit the Champions League. Very cool! I do wish you could do more than transfer players. I am one of those geeks who loved editing players numbers and keeping my rosters current. And since the game came out in November, the MLS teams will be completely obsolete by the Superdraft. FIFA 2003 has a ton of cool features, I just wish EA would keep the "International Selection" feature that FIFA 98 had, and I wish "Creation Centre" was still in the PS2 version. I say get rid of the stupid introduction movie and gives us those features and more teams. Then it would be the perfect game!
in the PS2 version, does anyone know how to get the adidas ball (if it's even in the game)?? It's in some pics on the back cover and I don't like the Nike ball
Some of my observations (PS2 version): Loved the chants, especially when I was playing Liverpool beating ManU 2-0, the chanting 2-nil (in Auld Lang Syne tone) or South Korean fans chanting just like the World Cup. Also like the home fans cheering when their team score and quiet when the other team scored. I wish I could be able to head the ball when it in the air from corners, free kicks or goal kicks. Same for score off free kicks. I always seem to kick it high and off target. cpwilson80, there are 18 Euro clubs in a Champions Club season in which every stadium that is featured represents the home grounds of the clubs (e.g. jax - Amsterdam ArenA, ManU - Arsenal -Highbury, etc.) For some reason, they choose Inter Milan only for San Siro and execlude Ac Milan. It would be nice if BOTH clubs were in the champions season. Also, where is Holland in International team category? Even worse, JAPAN!!!!!!!, the World Cup co-host???????? And how come Kahn is found in Bayern's squad but not Germany's? Same for Ronaldo with Real Madrid but not Brazil's? Legal image licence perhaps? Plus I still have argument about players attributes. Now why in hell is David Regis attributes higher than Eddie Pope? SCANDAL! One good improvement was the substitutions made by the CPU to make for injuries and tactics (whether defensive or attacking). Overall the graphics are good. Some technical aspects of the game still needs to improve. I'll give out more details as I continue to enjoy the game. let me know how to score of set pieces (corners, freekicks).
My god i cant score off free kicks either. and i wish i can play as Holland. Does anyone have a list of the players that can do there signature moves, i know Giggs, Roberto Carlos and Edgar Davids have them, but i was wondering if there is anyone else? Freestyle control is pretty hard, i just move the analog rapidly in hopes of seeing something cool.
FIFA 2003 and Mp3s Is it true that pc fifa 2003 allows you to play your own mp3s? if so ,how would u go about doing it?
Free kicks: Aim for the top corner and put the cursor on the very bottom side of the ball, generally, if you hit the meter in the red, it will go in if you are using a guy with a good shot, and good ball control. I score on them all the time on World Class mode. As for corners...the only way I have been able to score so far is either playing it in on the turf to a player who lays it off to an awaiting striker, or on bicycle/scissor kicks...wait for your players cursor to light up, and tap the "lob" button rapidly.
Good looks on the free kicks. Pablo Aimar owns. Also, Crespo and Vieri have really nice signature moves, but who else does?
Hey guys. I have had the GameCube vesion since Nov. I really like this game. The only gripes I have are - 1) No Dutch League and no J-League! 2) No custom teams or players (this is usually a common feature in EA sports). Besides that, it's lots of fun. I got the hang of amateur level in a week and am doing OK in semi-pro. I'll probably start playing pro soon. Roberto Carlos kicks @$$ on the free kicks, and do any of you know how to do a decent corner kick? I have more success just passing it in the box than trying to cross it in.
Even as I get better at this game, I'm still concerned about one of the ways EA has chosen to increase the difficulty over previous versions. When I'm defending and trying to intercept a pass, I've noticed (on Pro) that when I first take control of a player, he immediately takes a quick step away from the ball, or away from the player who is about to receive the ball. This happens quite often. I don't mind not intercepting the pass as much as I am offended by the way EA chose to prevent me from doing so. It seems like the "circle of influence" occasionally becomes a force field. Also, I've been caught by some 70-yard passes on the ground, through six or seven players to the forwards. I haven't been scored on like this, but it's frustrating to see an opponent suddenly thread the needle half the length of the field without lobbing. That's unrealistic. Then, there's the problem of my players not being able to control the ball near the sidelines and during clearances. I understand the need for realism, but when I point the stick directly left and press circle, I expect the ball to go downfield, not out for a throw-in by the other team. It's like I've made the perfect physical motions at the perfect time to clear the ball, but because the game's supposed to be harder, the ball doesn't always go where I send it. I make enough mistakes on my own without having the CPU ignore the input from my controller. I expect that when I do what I'm supposed to do to make a pass, tackle or clearance, the player I'm controlling will do what he should, within bounds of skill and fitness levels. I'm still leading the Scottish league halfway thru the season, playing as Celtic. But I don't like EA's idea of difficulty. Find another way next year to improve this game. One thing I'd like to see is the old Instant Replay with a new twist- an inset of the PS2 controller showing EXACTLY what the user pushed, held, or tapped while the action was going on. Then I'd know for sure whether it was just me, or the CPU preventing me from controlling my own players effectively. March is too far away.
Would anyone like to see EA make a Club Championship Game? Add more teams, the stadiums, the chants, the whole nine. Personally i think it would be great.
Personally, I think FIFA 2003 is as close as anyone has gotten to having a game geared towards club play.